The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s leading opposition party, is at a crossroads. Kola Ologbondiyan, former National Publicity Secretary of the party, has voiced serious concerns about the future of the PDP under the leadership of its Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum.
Ologbondiyan believes that if urgent action is not taken to elect a permanent National Chairman, the PDP may face further setbacks in upcoming elections. His comments came during a meeting with the G12-Renaissance Group, a faction within the PDP, in Abuja.
The recent Ondo State governorship election is the latest in a string of losses for the PDP, which Ologbondiyan attributes to Damagum’s weak leadership. These losses, he argues, reflect the party’s lack of strategic direction under Damagum.
Ologbondiyan pointed out that this trend could continue in states like Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun, which are set to hold elections soon. He warned that the PDP’s ability to compete as a credible opposition is at stake if changes are not made swiftly.
“The Acting National Chairman has shown no interest in ensuring the success of the party during elections,” Ologbondiyan lamented.
According to the PDP’s constitution (2017 Amendment), Section 47 (6) mandates the election of a substantive National Chairman to replace any acting chairman. Ologbondiyan urged the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to adhere to this rule during its scheduled November 28 meeting.
He emphasized that electing a new chairman from the North Central region would stabilize the party and improve its chances of performing better in future elections.
Ologbondiyan also addressed allegations that Damagum secretly met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in London. These accusations, which remain unaddressed by Damagum, raise questions about the Acting Chairman’s loyalty to the party’s goals.
“It is unacceptable for the leader of the opposition to be accused of secretly meeting with the president of the ruling government without offering an explanation,” Ologbondiyan said.
He called on Damagum to clarify his stance and reassure party members of his commitment to the PDP’s mission.
Ologbondiyan urged other PDP leaders to step in and rescue the party from what he described as “the stranglehold of weak leadership.” He argued that the party must refocus its efforts and regain its strength to fulfill its role as Nigeria’s primary opposition party.
“The PDP must be saved from this drift. Without strong leadership, our position as the leading opposition party is at risk,” he stated.
As the November 28 NEC meeting approaches, the pressure is mounting for the PDP to take decisive action. Party members and supporters hope that a new, dynamic leader will emerge to guide the PDP through its challenges and restore its credibility as a formidable political force in Nigeria.
For now, the future of the PDP remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: strong leadership is needed to chart a new course for the party and secure its role in Nigeria’s democracy.
